One word summed up his thoughts and probably echoed what most of his teammates and fans were thinking as well. When Redskins receiver Devin Thomas saw the text from his agent, announcing the trade of Donovan McNabb, he simply said:
“Wow.”
But that’s the only sort of reaction that can be had when a team acquires a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Washington did just that, swapping its second-round pick in this draft and a conditional pick in 2011, either a third- or fourth-rounder.
He gives the Redskins the ability to win a lot quicker than if they had drafted a quarterback and plugged him into the lineup immediately.
“I’m excited as ever,” Thomas said. “Everyone knows what he’s capable of doing. He brings that athletic ability to quarterback, making plays on the run and breaking tackles and keeping plays alive. He gives you opportunities if they have good coverage, you can make something out of it and he throws it deep. Man, it’s funny because playing against him the last couple years you’re amazed at what he can do. Now the fact that he’s on the team, I’m looking forward to catching passes from him.”
The Eagles had been shopping McNabb, with rumors about Arizona, St. Louis and even Oakland as possible destinations. However, by trading him in the division, it’s clear that Philadelphia did not get any enticing offers from elsewhere. McNabb has one year left on his contract and based on what Washington gave up, it’s hard to imagine the Redskins not signing him to a multi-year deal.
The trade occurred almost 46 years to the day when Washington acquired another top passer from the Eagles: Sonny Jurgensen. But McNabb is further along in his career. He’s the Eagles’ all-time leader in passing yards (32,873), touchdown passes (216), pass attempts (4,746) and completions (2,801). Last season, McNabb tossed 22 touchdowns and had a passer rating of 92.9.
“Donovan is an accomplished quarterback who has been a proven winner in the National Football League,” Redskins Executive Vice President/Head Coach Mike Shanahan said in a statement Sunday night. “I have long admired his competitiveness and feel he will be an outstanding addition to the Redskins and our community. He knows our division and the roadmap to success in the NFC East. He will set a high standard of excellence.”
But he was oft-maligned because of his inability to win a Super Bowl for the Eagles. He managed to get there once, but the Eagles lost. He was 1-4 NFC Championship Games.
“It’s hard to lose him because I’ve been with him for 11 years,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “At the same time both of us know this is part of the business and you kind of go that direction with it. You can’t erase the last 11 years. He’s a phenomenal player. He’s a Hall of Fame player.”
Reid said they debated whether or not to trade McNabb within the NFC East. Reid said they did not let McNabb “handpick” his new team. Most likely, it came down to what it usually does: this was the best deal available. When asked if the Eagles were taking a risk, Reid said, “He’s going to help the Redskins be a better team and time will tell on the rest… . I’m pretty confident it’s the right thing to do.”
The move likely ends the Redskins career of quarterback Jason Campbell. The fifth-year passer had not been told of the trade and when reached by phone said, “This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
And it also means they likely won’t select a quarterback in the first round of the draft. They now can focus on left tackle, another glaring need.
“I’m excited,” Redskins corner DeAngelo Hall said. “Anytime you add more weapons to your arsenal you’re excited about it. We have a guy who played in Super Bowls and numerous NFC Championship games. He knows how to move the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. He’s just always keeping the play alive.”
Redskins linebacker/end Andre Carter is thankful for a different reason.
“It means we won’t have to chase him all over the place,” Carter said. “He has a lot left. Everyone always complains that he slowed down a step. But in the years I played him, he still looked good to me. He’s a playmaker. He’s a true All-Pro quarterback; we’re very happy.”
